2027 guber: Arewa youth group advocates power rotation in Bauchi

A non-political group, Kungiyan Matasan Arewa (Northern Youth Group), has called for a power shift in Bauchi State’s political landscape, advocating for the rotation of the gubernatorial office starting from the 2027 general elections.

The group, operating under the Matasan Arewa Empowerment & Right Advancement Association (MAERA), argued that democracy is people-oriented, and therefore, rotating the gubernatorial seat among the state’s senatorial zones is the most appropriate and just approach.

Addressing journalists on Wednesday at the end of its consultative meeting held at the Conference Hall of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Tomb, the group emphasized that power rotation would promote a sense of political inclusion among the populace.

According to the group, since Bauchi State—like other states—has three senatorial districts, the gubernatorial seat should rotate in the 2027 general elections in the spirit of fairness, justice, and inclusion.

Chairman of the group in Bauchi State, Suleiman Doma, stated: “We believe in power rotation. It is good for democracy, as it affords each zone the opportunity to occupy the exalted office of the state governor. We suggest that the gubernatorial seat should rotate from Bauchi South to Bauchi North, and then to Bauchi Central. This is our position.”

While emphasizing that the group is non-partisan but focused on youth empowerment and self-reliance, Doma added:

“It is our responsibility to educate and enlighten youths on political decisions and affiliations, particularly in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.”

According to him, “The group was formed in 2014 and has branches in all 19 northern states. Here in Bauchi, we have offices in all 20 local government areas. We are mobilising youths to become useful members of society, irrespective of ethno-religious or political affiliations.”

ALSO READ: I’m not desperate to be president — Atiku

On the group’s preferred candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial race, Doma appealed to the current Commissioner for Special Duties and Rural Development, Hon. Faruk Mustapha, to urgently declare his interest in running for the seat.

“As you can see, we just concluded our deliberations and agreed to call on Hon. Faruk Mustapha to please declare his intention to contest the 2027 gubernatorial election. He deserves it, and we believe he can deliver,” he said.

He added: “He is a youth and a politician of substance. We believe that with him as the next governor of Bauchi State, there will be greater development. He will definitely build on the achievements of the current administration, as he is already part of the system.”

Suleiman Doma further noted: “Though we have not yet contacted him directly, we are appealing to him to heed our call and join the race. We assure him that if his political party gives him the ticket, we will campaign vigorously to ensure his victory.”

He concluded by saying: “We want to see youths at the helm of affairs in the next political dispensation. That is our goal, and we will continue to advocate for it.”